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Cozy Crockpot Sugar-Free Spiced Apple Cider

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A naturally sweet, sugar-free spiced apple cider made in the slow cooker with apples, oranges, and warm spices. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a quiet evening at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 medium apples, quartered (mix of sweet and tart varieties like Fuji and Granny Smith)
  • 2 large oranges, quartered (peel on)
  • 10 cups water
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
  • 1 star anise pod (optional)
  • 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
  • Fresh apple slices (for garnish, optional)
  • Orange wheels (for garnish, optional)
  • Additional cinnamon sticks (for stirring, optional)
  • Star anise pods (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash apples and oranges thoroughly. Quarter apples, removing core and seeds. Quarter oranges, leaving peel on.
  2. Place quartered apples and oranges in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Tuck cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, and star anise (if using) among the fruit. Add vanilla bean if using. Pour water over everything, ensuring fruit is mostly submerged.
  3. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. At the 4-hour mark, gently stir with a wooden spoon.
  4. After 6-8 hours, mash the fruit gently with a potato masher or the back of a large spoon. Let steep for 30 minutes with the heat off.
  5. Strain the cider through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large heatproof pitcher or bowl. Do not press on solids.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. If using vanilla extract, stir it in now. Serve hot, garnished with fresh apple slices or orange wheels if desired.

Notes

Don’t rush the cooking time; low and slow is essential for deep flavor. Don’t skip the mashing step. Strain while warm for easiest straining. Use a mix of apple varieties for best flavor. If using oranges with wax coating, scrub under warm water first. For a stovetop shortcut, simmer for 45-60 minutes. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar-free, spiced apple cider, crockpot, slow cooker, apple cider, fall, winter, cozy, healthy, vegan, gluten-free

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/cozy-crockpot-sugar-free-spiced-apple-cider-recipe/